Doll Collecting – Easter Bunnies, Easter Dolls

The weather is starting to warm, the trees and shrubs are starting to bud and my first daffodil has bloomed. Spring is such a refreshing season of the year as it truly demonstrates the rebirth of all things alive. With the coming of spring is the most important religious holiday for those who believe in Christianity. And that of course, is Easter!

The Good Shepherd

Easter 2009 is on April 12.

When I think of Easter, I am reminded of being a child and raising a child. I think of our many family traditions like coloring Easter eggs, Easter baskets full of candy, chocolate bunnies, and gifts, Easter egg hunts, dressing in our Sunday best for church and spending time with our families. I'll never forget the excitement of those new Easter bonnets, dresses, and a brand new shiny pair of patent leather shoes. And so, like many others, I look forward to Easter with fond memories.

For the doll collector, as with all holidays, Easter is an opportunity to show off those special dolls that help us depict Easter in their own special ways.

Some will decorate with a stuffed Easter bunny or two…….. (where did the Easter bunny come from anyway?)

Wikipedia tells us that the Easter Bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Alsace and southwestern Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600s. The first edible Easter Bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar. The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. According to the tradition, children would build brightly colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of their homes. If they were good, the Easter bunny would bring them gifts and other goodies (sound familiar?)

Some will decorate with a special doll that reminds us of our childhood……. (I think I may have looked just like this on Easter morning!!)

"Hattie Holiday Easter" from the Effanbee Doll Corporation is dated 1978. She is 16" in height, made of plastic, has bluish/grey eyes that open and close with beautiful eye lashes and rooted long blond hair. This adorable freckle-faced little girl is dressed for church in her Easter dress and straw bonnet with silk flowers, lacy socks and black patent shoes. See http://www.kfcollectibles.com/ for more information about Hattie Holiday Easter.

Some will decorate with a doll or two that celebrates the true meaning of Easter……….

My favorite Easter decoration is a religious doll issued by The Ashton-Drake Galleries by artist Titus Tomescu in 1995. Of all of the dolls that were collected by my aunt, this collection is my favorite.

The doll pictured is called "The Good Shepherd". It is from the Messages of Hope collection, which also includes "Let the Little Children Come to Me", "Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock", and "Our Father, Who Art in Heaven". This collection is beautifully sculpted of porcelain, has beautiful detail and authentic clothing.

Another beautiful collection of porcelain religious portraiture by artist Titus Tomescu is entitled the Miracles of Jesus Collection. It includes "Water into Wine", "Multiplying the Loaves", "Walking on Water", "Calming the Sea", and Ascension Into Heaven.

Have you ever wondered why Easter falls on a different date each year?

Unlike Christmas, which is always on December 25, Easter falls on a different day each year. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox.

That's it for now and thanks for visiting my blog!